jenkseattle's Profile

I think making the jump to not using a car may be a big one. Something that is quite common among my friends in Seattle is becoming a one-car family. My family did this 2 years ago, and only once did we end up using a car-share program (Zipcar.) It has been a great way to be committed to living a healthy lifestyle. We often travelled by bike, bus, and foot, so it was an easy transition for us. Think about it!

I'm thinking of bunk beds for my girls room, but just don't like the height of standard bunk sets (for safety and for changing the fitted sheet.) Does anyone have ideas for a lower set? I think I'd also like an L-shaped one, but can't find any that are reasonably priced (under $500.) Also because space is the issue, I want a twin over twin (and not a futon or a double) and don't need a desk or storage added to the ends of the unit. Sounds like I am picky, but really I am just practical. :-) For me, practicality and function trumps all else when designing a space.

Here is a bunk that I like, but it is too spendy:
http://www.wendyusa.com/32jtl-w.html

Thanks for the heads up! Sounds like a great product. I too get caught in the baby wipe dilemma, as I don't have a lot of washcloths with me during travel. Will give these a try. Are these available at common department stores, supermarkets, or drugstores?

I have to say I found the mature man, rather than the teen heart-throb, more my style. Larry Wilcox and Bruce Penhall, the 2 blonds, from CHiPs! Also, I just loved Gregory Harrison from Trapper John, MD. Last, but not least, John Schneider from Dukes of Hazzard. Great memories!

Suites! And true suites. Call the hotel to ensure that the suite actually has a separate bedroom with a door. Some snarky hotels advertise a suite, but really mean one room with a bed and kitchenette in the same room (like an efficiency apartment.) You can usually get a roll-away, pac-n-play, or sleeping bag for 1 or 2 kids in the bedroom around the bed for the grown-ups. I know this usually costs a little more (not always), but it is well worth the extra cost. If you can't afford the 7 nights in a suite, cut your vacation to the 5 nights you can afford. Truly, this is the best way to go. We have a 2 & 5 year old, and would not sleep in a hotel unless it was a suite.

We love the audio book of The Giraffe the Pelly and Me. We have it in the car all the time!

http://www.amazon.com/Giraffe-Pelly-Me-CD/dp/0060852755

New: My First Little House books, Sandra Boynton books (Hippos go Berserk), and James Marshall's Pocket Full of Nonsense

Old: Busy Town, Berenstain Bears books, and Make Way for Ducklings

I love the eclectic look that results from different design styles. I'd go ahead and use the modern pieces of the crib and chair in white. I think you'd need to pull in some "softness" from some more transitional pieces, and pull some of the color from the armoire. Put a pillow on the chair. Mix the prints on the wall. Add texture. But try not to clutter. Still keep it "clean" looking. Good luck!

I like these products and they may work in your room:
Accent table in sage color
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Harwick_15W_Telephone_Table/650/
Throw pillow in green
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Eco-Classic-Cable-Decorative-Pillow/3418450/product.html
Throw pillow in yellow
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Ruffled-Sunflower-Pillow-Covers-Set-of-2/4073304/product.html
Doublelucky print from Charley Harper
http://www.charleyharperprints.com/Harper%20Lithograph%20Prints_A_G.html
Green color study print
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Color_Study_Oversized_Canvas_Wall_Art/610/
White shag rug
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Soft-Cotton-White-Shag-Rug-47-x-7/4079251/product.html
White whimsical lamp
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80147480

1) Get a portable dishwasher off craigslist, or if you can't find one, buy one at Sears, Walmart, Lowes, etc. Lots of times this has a "countertop" that you could use as an island. This may take up floor space permanently, but for me, it would be worth it. As mentioned previously, you can take this with you when you leave.

2) Your floor is is bad shape, so I'd get peel&stick tiles and do it myself. This is a cheap option that will work. You will need to "repair" the existing floor or put new underlayment down so that it is a relatively flat, gouge-free surface. If you want eco-friendly, they have cork peel&stick squares. If you do put down marmoleum instead, your floor will need to be pretty level. That may cost a lot of money to get that way, or the resulting look will be disappointing. If doing marmoleum, look for remnants on craigslist for other people who have done jobs.

3) Clean up and get as much storage space as possible. Cabinets or shelving is where I'd put the remainder of the money. Not just to look good, but to be functional. You mentioned glass shelves. I'd stick with good old cabinet stock. Are you going to entertain in your kitchen? More bang for your buck to have clean and plentiful storage, than less but really cute storage. If you can't afford to redo the cabinets, still get more shelving and clean up existing cabinets inside the drawers to make them feel new and not icky.

4) I guess with the cabinets comes counter tops, and her again, I'd go bang for the buck and not trendy and cute. I'm not a fan of preformed laminate as I don't think it last very long, but look into it as it is very economical. I'd go get some basic white tiles and do the tile countertop myself. Keep the grout lines really small. You have a small space, so not much to tile, so much easier to do yourself, and you could potentially get a backsplash out of it too.

Good luck and I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing what you did.